Chapter 86: Fei Liu

Chapter 86: Fei Liu

Mei Changsu sat in his gardens under the branches of a banyan tree heavy with greenery, playing a guessing game with Fei Liu as he listened to Tong Lus report on the events that had occurred that day during the Princess send-off. Aside from the mention of Yuwen Xuans unexpected appearance, during which Mei Changsu appeared to be listening intently, he did not seem particularly interested in the rest of the report. As for Xiao Jingruis competition with the Eyun disciple Nian Nian, he didnt even raise an eyebrow, only giving an absent Ng in answer.

Though on careful reflection, his attitude was not really that unusual. Neither Xiao Jingrui, nor that disciple of Yue Xiuze had much status in martial arts circles, and it was natural that competitions at this level would not be of much interest to Mister Mei of Jiangzuo, the chief of the worlds greatest sect, who must have seen countless contests of this nature by now. If it were not for the fact that Xiao Jingrui was his friend, he probably would not even be interested in the result of the fight.

Left! Fei Liu shouted loudly, as he uncovered his eyes. Mei Changsu smiled and opened his left fist, which was empty. The youths face screwed up immediately, and even Tong Lu, standing to the side, couldnt help laughing.

Alright, youve lost three times, there must be a punishment. Go and help Aunt Ji cut the melons, Su gege wants to have a piece.

Melons! Fei Liu loved fruits, and as the season for tangerines had passed, he had moved on to melons. Mei Changsu often teased that he could finish a whole field of them in a day, and to prevent him from getting sick, he had to pose a limit on the number of melons the youth was allowed to have each day.

Fei Liu darted away, and Mei Changsus smile disappeared. His tone was cool when he spoke again: Inform Mister Shisan, it is time to make a move against the Crimson Sleeves. He may initiate the first step, and it must be done cleanly.

Yes. Tong Lu bowed hurriedly. Does the Chief have any other orders?

Mei Changsu leaned down and rested his head on the pillow, closing his eyes. You do not need to come tomorrow.

Tong Lu paled abruptly and fell to the floor in a bow, saying in a trembling voice, Has Tong Ludisappointed the Chief in some way?

Mei Changsu, startled by his reaction, turned his head to look at him. I was just going to let you take a day off, where have your thoughts got to?

Ah? . Tong Lu let out a sigh of relief and sat up, scratching his head. I thought the Chief was telling me not to come again in the futureit wasnt easy earning this opportunity to work directly for the Chief, and Tong Lu would be sad to see it go.

Silly child, Mei Changsu couldnt help smiling as he patted his head. Actually, it is I who needs a good days rest, without anything to think or worry about. I want to put aside all troubles and spend a day in serenity and peace, and gather my strength for the days ahead.

Tong Lu didnt understand the importance of the days to come, but he was not overly curious by nature and knew when to hold his tongue, so he did not ask further, and only continued to gaze reverently at his chief, waiting quietly for his orders.

Tell Gong Yu, she must rest well tomorrow too.

Yes.

Theres nothing else, you may leave.

Tong Lu bowed deeply, and then got up and left. Li Gang entered in his wake, holding a large platter with a lid tied shut with red cloth.

Chief, its arrived, here it is for your inspection.

Mei Changsu sat up and untied the red cloth. On the platter stood a small bottle carved out of dark green jade. At first glance, it did not catch the eye, but on closer inspection, there were running horses carved into the surface of the jade , racing with carefree abandon along the natural pattern of the jade itself. The design was so intricate and the handiwork so delicate and refined that the overall piece was astonishing to behold.

And yet, no matter how beautiful the jade bottle itself appeared, its greatest value lay inside.

How many?

Chief, there are ten.

Mei Changsu picked up the jade bottle and removed its cork stopper, then lifted it to his nose and sniffed it lightly before replacing the cork and turning the bottle over in his hands gently.

Li Gangs gaze shifted, as if he was trying to decide whether to speak or not.

Li dage, if you have anything to say, please say it freely. Mei Changsu had not even lifted his head, and it was impossible to know how he had seen Li Gangs expression.

Chief, would this gift be a little too much? Li Gang spoke softly. A jade bottle hand-carved by Great Master Huo, heart protection pills that can save a persons life either one of these gifts would be enough to astound any audience, why put the two together?

Mei Changsu was quiet for awhile, and there was grief and compassion in his gaze when he finally answered, After this birthday, I fear that even gifts more precious than these would not hold any meaning for Jingrui.

Carved badly! Fei Liu said defensively.

You only ate the ones you carved badly? Thats alright then. But you must remember not to eat too many all at once, or your stomach will hurt.

Ng!

Mei Changsu finished the first flower, and then shook his head at Fei Liu. The youth remembered that eating too much would make ones stomach hurt, and so did not try to feed him a second piece. He stared blankly at the plate for a moment, and then seemed to make up his mind, and brought the remaining four flowers to Li Gang.

For me? Li Gang laughed loudly. What favour, Im so honoured, so honoured indeed!

Fei Liu didnt understand half of what he said, but he understood the first question and nodded his answer. But when Li Gang picked up a piece of melon, his eyes, the only part of him that showed any emotion, looked longingly at the melon, as if he was unwilling to part with it.

You eat as well, we can have half each. The innocent childs feelings were written all over his face, and Li Gang held back a smile as he pushed two of the flowers back towards Fei Liu.

Fei Liu turned his head to look at Mei Changsu.

Just now in the kitchen, how many melons did you carve badly?

Three!

Did you eat them all?!

With Aunt Ji!

Mei Changsu looked at Fei Liu, his expression stern. Didnt you promise Su gege to only eat one a day?

Carved badly! Fei Lius mouth turned down, his expression clearly wronged.

Hm Mei Changsu thought seriously for a moment. Then we cannot blame our Fei Liu, it was Su gege who was not clear enough. From now on, no matter whether it was carved badly or cut wrongly, as long as it is melon, then Fei Liu can only eat one per day. Understood?

Fei Lius handsome face still did not show any strong emotion, but his tone clearly conveyed his unhappiness. So little!

Su gege is afraid Fei Liu will get sick. Mei Changsu glanced at him, his smile a little wicked. How about we call Lin Chen gege to come over?

Fei Liu jumped in fear and buried his head in Mei Changsus chest, his arms going tightly around his waist, and refused to let go. Li Gang, who had already been shaking with suppressed laughter, completely gave up at this display and retreated outdoors, clutching his side helplessly.

You havent answered me. Mei Changsu showed remarkable restraint as he extracted the youths head from his embrace, and repeated sternly, One?

Fei Liu was visibly torn between Lin Chen gege on the one hand and melons on the other, and finally, he lowered his head meekly. One.

Mei Changsu ruffled Fei Lius hair, his gaze and smile as warm as always.

Li Gang had disappeared from the courtyard. The earnest and devoted assistant had probably gone to find a suitable bottle to hold the pills which were to be a gift. Just now, the grief had been lifted by the adorable youths appearance, but a few ripples still remained nevertheless, a faint pain underneath that resurfaced on occasion. In the space between breaths, he pushed the pain away firmly, burying it deep down.

In another days time, it would be Xiao Jingruis twenty-fifth birthday.

Mei Changsu knew very well that, for this young nobleman, it would be the most unforgettable day of his life.

Translators Notes:

Shes giving us fluff before the angst. (Well, I guess there was angst in this too.)

Board up your windows, everyone. THE STORM IS HERE.

(And for anyone who noticed sorry this was a few hours late! I really rushed this one too so I might go back later for some editing. But I didnt want to keep yall waiting!)